Dear Debbie. . .

Anyone Else Confused By Masks?

Dear Debbie,

In your Digital Toolbox column (Save Those JPEGS, March 2007) you describe a way to adjust certain areas of a photo. You say "paint the mask." Nowhere do you describe how to do that! I am brand new to Photoshop and am trying to demystify it. I think you pros all think we novices know as much as you do!

I tried just doing things hoping the mask would "paint itself" and I could figure out what I did. No luck. Please describe in detail how to get the mask painted so I can proceed.

Thanks,
Unmasked 

An Unsavory Character

Dear Debbie,

I have a photo that was taken on a trip to a baseball game in Philadelphia. We just wanted a picture of the family, but this individual behind us made a very rude hand gesture! How can I get him out of the enclosed photo?

Sincerely,
Flabbergasted
Walnut, California